A Long Grind to Daoist Monarch-Chapter 170 - 141: In the Glow of Ten Thousand Lights, the New Year Surpasses the Old

After entertaining the visitors who came to offer New Year greetings, it was already past 7 p.m. The lively atmosphere finally dissipated, and the old residence returned to tranquility.

Old Xu cleaned up the messy round table, Ah Di Bai Ming heated water for a bath, and Bai Qi rubbed his throbbing brow, soothing his excessively active mind.

He had drunk a few glasses of wine tonight, his face slightly flushed, his Qi blood surged abundantly, emanating scorching heat.

"Half a pound of refined red ochre, pills mixed with several stalactites, a rare Golden Python Bow, two Thunderstruck Wood Arrows with evil-breaking effects, Discontinuity Ointment that strengthens bones and body, Heart Nourishing Pills for healing and rejuvenation...

Bai Qi glanced at the stacked, horizontally placed gift boxes and laughed out loud for no reason.

"Now I've truly become a master; during festive seasons, I can receive gifts."

With nothing else to do, he opened New Year gifts from He Jingfeng, Song Qiying, Zhu Ling'Er, and others one by one, all valuable items, totaling not less than five or six thousand taels of silver.

The most precious among them was the Golden Python Bow bestowed by the Master of Chai Market, a top treasure of Black River County, rumored to be able to spew venom and have killed a powerful demon.

Next were the Taoist artifacts from He Jingfeng, all first-rate quality, making one marvel at the high treatment of the He family's first sons, no wonder they produced two students of the Daoist School, their wealth indeed substantial.

As for the few carts of items sent to the backyard, they would be looked at after the New Year, with some certainly allocated to Tongwen Hall.

Master Li from the fire kiln went all out, mainly because of the face of Ninghai Zen.

Being an apprentice and indulging oneself alone would be lacking in foresight.

"Around you are 'good people' flattering and fawning over you. Over time, keeping a normal mindset is difficult; walking lightly and arrogantly becomes reasonable."

Standing in the front yard with the cold wind dispelling his intoxication, Bai Qi silently raised his alertness.

The high gate of Yihai Prefecture, the Young Masters of Black River County, these people regarded him highly only because of Tongwen Hall's reputation and Ninghai Zen's prestige.

If truly taken seriously, getting used to flaunting authority with borrowed influence, sooner or later, there would be a day of downfall.

"As they say, to destroy someone, one method is by disparagement, another by flattery; indeed, it makes sense.

Lifting someone up to the sky, gradually letting them become proud and complacent, frivolous and indulgent, and then digging an abyssal pit, leading them to step in voluntarily, sinking into an inescapable disaster... Perhaps this is also a common tactic of Yihai Prefecture's high gates?"

Bai Qi listened to the sound of snow melting, dripping along the corridor, his complicated thoughts slowly calming:

"Tomorrow, I should also buy some festive gifts and pay visits to Elder Liang, Brother Shui, Uncle Changshun's family, and honor... Uncle Dao. Master likely won't be at Tongwen Hall, he can't handle this lively atmosphere."

Feeling the Qi and blood power filled abundantly within his body, Bai Qi took a deep breath, stood up in the Health Care Posture of the Golden Core Great Strength Skill.

Bai Ming, coming out after heating water, saw his brother practicing alone, quickly clapped his hands, brushed off the dust, and joined in.

With a serious face, he contained his chest and drew his back, pressed his tongue against the roof of his mouth, inhaled through his nose, and exhaled wisps of clearly visible streams of air.

"Bones still, muscles moving, successful stance, you're doing better than Xiaotou."

Bai Qi opened his eyes, observing his brother whose posture was accurate, breathing steady, nodding approvingly.

After achieving a perfect Tendon Barrier, Bai Qi taught the Golden Core Great Strength Skill to Xiaotou, but the latter couldn't even master the basic big stance breathing technique. If not for Bai Ming's weak constitution, exhausting much time on nourishing Qi and blood, he should be far ahead in refining power by now.

"Can't blame Xiaotou, a fisherman from a humble household, not literate from a young age, starting late in learning, it's normal to be slow."

The humble, slave, and servant households of Black River County are the lowest three classes, able to read and write among young adults are less than twenty percent, considered a situation where even handed a martial arts manual would blindside them.

"Without intelligence, gentry rampant, leading to no establishment of a 'justice seeking' government office; unless there's an extraordinary chance, otherwise difficult to rise in this life."

Having stood with his brother for enough time, Bai Qi stopped the posture, poured the hot water into a large wooden tub, after bathing returned to the backyard room, with doubts in mind:

"Really wonder, on the giant territorial map in the Imperial Study of Dragon Court's new emperor, does it indeed include Black River County?"

...

...

The next day, as a few strands of light appeared on the horizon, the Bai Brothers rose early and went out to the market.

After a month of healing and resting, Black River County mostly recovered a degree of vitality, various vendors either hawking along the street or setting up stalls.

From mountain goods like chickens and ducks, to farm tools and baskets, little trinkets are all available.

All are rushing to exchange copper coins for rice and grain for a warm meal, the hunters and villagers eager for the year's end.

Bai Qi glanced around briefly, originally intending to buy a rattle drum for Ah Di but ended up being disliked:

"Brother, I'm not a child anymore, rather than playfully romping around, better to stand in stance more and practice."

Fine, my own brother is a champion of diligence!

Bai Qi could only deploy his trump card, once again buying a skewer of candied fruits, which this time was not refused.

Then he visited several bookstores to purchase detailed descriptions of the terrain around Yihai Prefecture and collections of strange and spooky stories, along with some useful pen, ink, paper, and ink stone, instructing the staff to send them to the old house at Erxian Bridge.

Not until noon did the market disperse, when the two brothers took large bags of New Year gifts, first visiting the East Market Shop, where they saw Father and Son, Liang Laoshu and Liang Sanshui, chatted for a while, and then took a boat to Datian Bay to extend New Year greetings to Uncle Changshun's family.

Uncle Changshun and Aunt Zhou were quite delighted with Bai Qi's arrival, as the booming fish stall business had greatly alleviated their previously hard-pressed life.

They were discussing the idea of moving to Xinyi Street in the outer city for easier access for Xiaotou to practice martial arts, avoiding running back and forth.

During the conversation, they asked Bai Qi's opinion, as Bai Qilang is the most capable fisherman in Black River County, whose words carry significant weight, almost as if they were law.

Aunt Zhou cautiously commented:

"I and the two daughters work as cooks for others and also do laundry, earning quite a bit. The children's father is now in charge of such a large fish stall, and he wishes to develop Xiaotou into a talent." 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Uncle Changshun turned his back, puffing several times on a dry cigarette:

"Xiaotou is praised by the master for his boxing practice at the Martial Arts Hall, and if we gather enough silver next year, he might formally become an apprentice."

Bai Qi nodded, agreeing with Uncle Changshun and Aunt Zhou's plans. With Bai Qi's current reputation and status, it would not be difficult to send Xiaotou to the three major Martial Arts Halls in the Inner City, something achievable without a hitch.

But there was no need.

The Inner City values lineage and backing, with Deng Yong, Han Li, and Song Qiying treating the judgment of character as a natural instinct.

They only respect "ability" and "background," with "background" far outweighing "ability."

If Xiaotou is abruptly taken in, he might not be clearly looked down upon due to Bai Qi's standing, yet he could not genuinely fit in, perhaps unconsciously becoming merely an errand-running minor associate.

Therefore, Bai Qi prefers Xiaotou to remain at Songshan Sect, learning the Iron Crotch Skill that he dreams of day and night.

As long as living conditions gradually improve, one will ultimately overcome the First Tendon Training Barrier.

Politely declining Uncle Changshun and Aunt Zhou's repeated invitations, the Bai Brothers rushed to Tongwen Hall before dusk.

Ninghai Zen had indeed disappeared again, gone who knows where, leaving Uncle Dao alone to guard the house.

"It's been like this every year; Young Master Qi, hurry home for New Year's dinner. I've arranged to have drinks with Old Liang, wouldn't be lonely."

Lao Dao cheerfully sat in the front yard, not accepting Bai Qi's invitation.

After such a large detour, they returned to their own home, already nearing nightfall.

Lights were bright in every household, with the occasional sound of firecrackers popping, their crackling noise spreading from the Inner City.

Bai Qi had long arranged with the shopkeeper of Donglai Tower a reservation for the most expensive feast.

Aside from a steamed Seven-star Spot Treasure Fish, there was a well-cooked Snake Broth, aromatic braised mutton in an earthen pot, and a few plates of tofu dishes.

Old Xu still didn't like eating at the table, carrying a coarse porcelain sea bowl, stooping back to the courtyard, quite happy to chat with the Wind Chasing Horse.

Viewed this way.

This year's reunion dinner ended up with Bai Qi and his younger brother Bai Ming relying on one another, yet the food, living conditions, and way of life were entirely different.

"Eat more."

Bai Qi served the fish belly of the Seven-star Spot to his younger brother.

"Mm-hmm."

Bai Ming ate heartily, his cheeks puffed up high.

"Take a small sip, don't drink too much."

Bai Qi warmed two cups of Huadiao wine, handing one to his younger brother, and then raised his cup:

"There are roads in high mountains, boats crossing deep waters, harmony brings the beauty of spring, the new year outshines the old year!"

Bai Ming obediently took a small sip, the mild wine wasn't spicy to the throat, rather a bit sweet in taste.

He held the hot cup in his hands, chuckled, and his eyes reflected endless satisfaction and joy, echoing his brother's words:

"There are roads in high mountains, boats crossing deep waters, harmony brings the beauty of spring, the new year outshines the old year…"